Barrows of Tasmola


The Barrows of Tasmola are dispersed throughout central Kazakhstan in the Karaganda, Akmola, and Pavlodar regions.

Site description

Originating in the Saka period, the various barrows of the Tasmola culture can be found throughout the valleys of central Kazakhstan. The sites are characterized by stone complexes with up to four stone barrows, menhirs, and two curved ranges that can each stretch 50 to 200 m long. The ranges appear to line up in accordance to equinoctial, solstitial or midsummer sunrise points. Archaeological finds in the barrows themselves can include pottery, horse skeletons, and fire pit remains. Over 300 of such barrows have been identified in Kazakhstan, of which only a small number have been archaeologically excavated.

World Heritage Status

This site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List on September 24, 1998 in the Mixed category.